Anomalies in Reverse Polarity Pulsing of Polarized Capacitors

[JoeLag]

In this experimental observation, the author presents an intriguing phenomenon noticed while working with polarized capacitors. The focus of the exploration is on the behavior of capacitors when they are pulse charged at very low voltages, specifically at a reverse polarity that deviates from their typical operating conditions. The findings raise questions about the potential applications and implications of this behavior, particularly in areas like back EMF triggering or specialized AC waveform generation.

Experimental Setup and Observations

1. Capacitor Setup:

• Capacitor Specification: The experiment utilizes a standard polarized capacitor, with a typical designation of negative and positive terminals. The specific example mentioned is a 100-volt capacitor.
  
• Pulse Charging Method: The capacitor is pulse charged at a very low voltage, specifically at 1% or less of its rated voltage. This equates to pulsing at around 1 to 2 volts, but in reverse polarity (negative polarity to the positive terminal).
  

2. Observed Anomalies:

• Dielectric Breakdown and Tolerance: The author notes that when the capacitor is pulse charged with reverse polarity, there is a short tolerance before a breakdown of the dielectric occurs. This observation suggests that the dielectric material inside the capacitor is susceptible to degradation when exposed to reverse voltage pulses, even at low voltages.
  
• Voltage Rebound Phenomenon: After charging the capacitor with a negative pulse and then discharging it by shorting the terminals, the author observes an interesting rebound effect. Upon measuring the voltage again, a negative voltage of around -0.1 to -1.5 volts is detected. This behavior occurs repeatedly, with the capacitor exhibiting a quicker rebound to the negative voltage when compared to a similar operation with positive voltage.
  

Potential Implications and Applications
1. Anomalous Behavior:

• Electret-like Behavior: The observed rebound effect resembles the behavior of an electret, but in reverse. Electrets are materials that can retain a quasi-permanent electric charge, and the capacitor's behavior in this experiment suggests a similar, albeit inverted, phenomenon. This raises questions about the underlying physics of capacitors when subjected to reverse polarity pulses and whether this behavior could be harnessed in practical applications.
  

2. Possible Applications:

• Negative-Positive AC Waveform Generation: The author speculates on the potential of using this behavior to generate a unique AC waveform, where the capacitor could be cycled between positive and negative charges more rapidly. This could open up new avenues in signal processing or specialized electronic circuits that require non-standard AC waveforms.
  
• Back EMF Triggering: Another possible application is in back EMF triggering, where the rapid rebound to a negative voltage could be exploited to create a more responsive or sensitive trigger in certain types of circuits. This could be particularly useful in energy recovery systems or in circuits where back EMF is a key operational parameter.
  

3. Further Research and Exploration:

• Experimentation Beyond Specification: The author references Bedini’s principle of experimenting with devices slightly out of their specified parameters. This suggests a need for further investigation into the behavior of capacitors under these conditions, potentially leading to new insights or even new types of electronic components.
  

Conclusion and Observations

1. Encouragement for Community Input:

• Collaborative Exploration: The author invites feedback and input from others who may have experimented with similar setups or who have more experience with the effects of reverse polarity pulsing on capacitors. This collaborative approach is valuable, as it may lead to a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and its possible applications.
  

2. Open Questions:

• Anomalies as Opportunities: While the author admits uncertainty about the practical uses of the observed behavior, the very fact that it deviates from expected performance suggests potential for innovation. The invitation to explore this further hints at the possibility that these anomalies could be the key to unlocking new technologies or improving existing ones.
  

Overall Assessment:

• This review presents a fascinating look into the often-overlooked quirks of electronic components, specifically polarized capacitors. The observed anomalies in reverse polarity pulsing offer a glimpse into the complex interactions within these devices, challenging conventional understanding and opening the door for further experimentation. The author’s approach to sharing these findings with the community encourages a collaborative spirit in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Whether or not these anomalies prove to be practically useful, the exploration itself is a testament to the importance of curiosity and experimentation in the field of electronics.